Cleaner

ABSTRACT

A cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at the time that a user intends is configured to include: a cleaning portion autonomously suctioning dust in accordance with a predetermined rule or procedure, a timer for detecting a time, an operational button portion accepting an input of the time, a storage battery storing power by charging, a memory storing a time period required for charging the storage battery and a charge start time, and a control unit controlling the operational button portion for accepting an input of the charge start time, calculating a cleaning-ready time based on the time period for charging the storage battery and the charge start time, and prohibiting the cleaning portion from suction of dust for a prescribed period.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaner, and more particularly to a rechargeable cleaner.

2. Description of the Background Art

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2-209121, a conventional cleaner includes a main body, the main body including running operation means and steering means for moving the main body, cleaning means for cleaning, guide means for guiding the main body from a cleaning start point and returning the main body to the cleaning start point after cleaning the floor to be cleaned, and a power supply supplying power to the running operation means, the guide means, the steering means, and the cleaning means; and a charging apparatus removably connected to the main body and including feed connection means for feeding and charging the power supply, a timer counting a time, and signal connection means for transmitting a signal from the timer to the main body.

According to the invention, when cleaning is finished, the cleaner is guided by the guide means and returns to the charging apparatus provided at the cleaning start point, where it is connected to the charging apparatus. The charging apparatus feeds the power supply with power through the feed connection means, whereby the cleaner is charged. Then, the timer in which a time to start cleaning has been programmed in advance transmits a signal to the main body of the cleaner through the signal connection means, when the programmed time has come. When this signal is transmitted, the cleaner starts cleaning again. By repeating these operations, a cleaner obviating the need for a charging operation and a manipulation at the time of start and end of the cleaning.

In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-59694, a conventional cleaner includes a main body, the main body including a running operation portion and a steering portion for moving the main body, a fan motor for cleaning, a drive portion for driving the fan motor, and a power supply feeding each portion with power; and a charging apparatus removably connected to the main body and including a programming portion for setting a time to start a cleaning operation, a current time setting portion for setting a current time, a time difference calculation portion for calculating a time difference between a time programmed in the programming portion and the time set in the current time setting portion, a sensing portion sensing a voltage of the power supply, a calculation portion for charging, receiving an output from the sensing portion and calculating a time period required for attaining a fully charged state, a control unit for rapidly charging the power supply, a control unit for normally charging the power supply, and a selection portion for comparing an output value from the time difference calculation portion with an output value from the calculation portion for charging and switching between charging modes in accordance with the voltage of the power supply.

According to the invention, the calculation portion for charging estimates a time period required for charging from the time at which programming was input, and the time difference calculation portion determines whether or not charging may be performed. Then, the selection portion can select rapid charging or normal charging. Alternatively, the programmed cleaning start time can be changed. Consequently, a cleaner that can start cleaning in principle at the programmed time without a hitch and can change the programmed time when particularly necessary can be provided.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-300874, a conventional autonomously-operating robot apparatus driven by a battery serving as a power supply includes position location means for locating a position of a battery charging apparatus provided separately from an apparatus main body, operation control means for moving the apparatus main body to the position of the battery charging apparatus located by the position location means, and connection means for connecting a charge terminal of the robot itself to a charge terminal of the battery charging apparatus so as to achieve a rechargeable state, when the main body finishes moving to the position of the battery charging apparatus.

According to the invention, the robot apparatus autonomously moves to the position where the charging apparatus is provided. Therefore, inconvenience caused by battery depletion is avoided. A user is now free from a charging operation, and can use the robot apparatus without concern about charging. As a result, an autonomously-operating robot apparatus extremely efficient in terms of managed use can be provided.

Meanwhile, the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2-209121 is disadvantageous in that an operation adapted to user's life style is difficult. Specifically, if cleaning simply starts at the same time of day as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2-209121, it is difficult to sufficiently do the cleaning in a manner satisfying the needs of the user. This is because the time of day or frequency at which cleaning is desired is considerably different, depending on members or generation of a user household.

The invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-59694 is disadvantageous in that the cleaner may be operated even if it is insufficiently charged. Meanwhile, the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-300874 also suffers from a similar disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at the time that a user intends.

In order to achieve the object above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cleaner includes: a cleaning portion autonomously suctioning dust in accordance with any one of predetermined rule and procedure; a timer for detecting a time; an operational button portion accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times and cleaning start time programming; a storage battery storing power by charging; a memory storing a time period required for charging the storage battery, the plurality of charge start times, and the cleaning start time programming; a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the plurality of charge start times; a device for prohibiting the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period from the time of detection of the charge start time by the timer until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery; a display unit displaying information; a cleaning-ready time control device for controlling the display unit such that the display unit displays information indicating the cleaning-ready time; and a warning control device for controlling the display unit such that the display unit displays information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by the operational button portion is earlier than the cleaning-ready time.

In other words, the cleaning portion autonomously suctions dust in accordance with the predetermined rule or procedure. The timer detects a time. The operational button portion accepts an input of a plurality of charge start times and cleaning start time programming. The storage battery stores power by charging. The memory stores a time period required for charging the storage battery, the plurality of charge start times, and the cleaning start time programming. The device for calculating a cleaning-ready time calculates a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the plurality of charge start times. The device for prohibiting suction prohibits the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period from the time of detection of the charge start time by the timer until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery. The display unit displays information. The cleaning-ready time control device controls the display unit such that the display unit displays the information indicating the cleaning-ready time. The warning control device controls the display unit such that the display unit displays the information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by the operational button portion is earlier than the cleaning-ready time. Therefore, even if an attempt to cause the cleaning portion to suction dust is made, suction of dust is not allowed until the cleaning-ready time. As suction of dust is not allowed, autonomous suction of dust by suction means at the time that the user does not intend is avoided. The period during which suction of dust is prohibited starts when the timer detects the charge start time and ends at any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, and the period is equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery. Therefore, suction of dust can be performed at the time that the user intends, in a state where power has sufficiently been charged. In addition, the cleaning-ready time control device causes the display unit to display the information indicating the cleaning-ready time. The warning control device causes the display unit to display the information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by the operational button portion is earlier than the cleaning-ready time. Therefore, the cleaning portion is allowed to suction dust at a particularly appropriate time that the user intends. As a result, a cleaner capable of doing the cleaning in an ensured and appropriate manner at an appropriate time that the user particularly intends can be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cleaner includes: a cleaning portion autonomously suctioning dust in accordance with a predetermined rule or procedure; a timer for detecting a time; an operational button portion accepting an input of a time; a device for controlling the operational button portion for accepting an input of a charge start time; a storage battery storing power by charging; a memory storing a time period required for charging the storage battery and the charge start time; a device for calculating a cleaning-ready time based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the charge start time; and a device for prohibiting the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until the cleaning-ready time detected by the timer.

In other words, the cleaning portion autonomously suctions dust in accordance with the predetermined rule or procedure. The timer detects a time. The operational button portion accepts an input of the time. The device for controlling the operational button portion controls the operational button portion for accepting an input of a charge start time. The storage battery stores power by charging. The memory stores a time period required for charging the storage battery and the charge start time. The device for calculating a cleaning-ready time calculates the cleaning-ready time based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the charge start time. The device for prohibiting suction of dust prohibits the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until the cleaning-ready time detected by the timer. Therefore, even if an attempt to suction dust is made, suction of dust is not allowed until the cleaning-ready time. As suction of dust is not allowed, autonomous suction of dust by the cleaning portion at the time that the user does not intend is avoided. As a result, a cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at the time that the user intends can be provided.

Desirably, the device for controlling the operational button portion described above includes a device for controlling the operational button portion for accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times. The memory desirably includes a memory storing the plurality of charge start times. The device for calculating a cleaning-ready time desirably includes a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the plurality of charge start times. The device for prohibiting suction of dust desirably includes a device for prohibiting the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery.

In other words, the device for prohibiting suction of dust prohibits the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery. Therefore, even if an attempt to suction dust is made, suction of dust is not allowed until the cleaning-ready time, which is the end of the prescribed period. As suction of dust is not allowed until the cleaning-ready time, which is the end of the prescribed period, autonomous suction of dust by the cleaning portion at the time that the user does not intend is avoided in a more ensured manner. As a result, a cleaner capable of doing the cleaning in an ensured and appropriate manner at the time that the user intends can be provided.

Alternatively, the device for controlling the operational button portion described above desirably includes a device for controlling the operational button portion for accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times. The memory desirably includes a memory storing the plurality of charge start times. The device for calculating a cleaning-ready time desirably includes a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on the time period required for charging the storage battery and the plurality of charge start times. The device for prohibiting suction of dust desirably includes a device for prohibiting the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period from the time of detection of the charge start time by the timer until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery.

In other words, the device for prohibiting suction of dust prohibits the cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period from the time of detection of the charge start time by the timer until any one of the plurality of cleaning-ready times, the prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging the storage battery. Therefore, even if an attempt to suction dust is made, suction of dust is not allowed until the cleaning-ready time, which is the end of the prescribed period. As suction of dust is not allowed from the time of detection of the charge start time by the timer until the cleaning-ready time, which is the end of the prescribed period, autonomous suction of dust by the cleaning portion at the time that the user does not intend is avoided in a particularly ensured manner. As a result, a cleaner capable of doing the cleaning in a particularly ensured and appropriate manner at the time that the user intends can be provided.

The cleaner described above desirably further includes a display unit displaying information, and a cleaning-ready time control device for controlling the display unit such that the display unit displays information indicating the cleaning-ready time.

In other words, the cleaning-ready time control device causes the display unit to display the information indicating the cleaning-ready time. Therefore, the user can have an intention of cleaning at a more appropriate time. As a result, a cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at a more appropriate time that the user intends can be provided.

Alternatively, the cleaner described above desirably further includes a device for controlling the operational button portion for accepting an input of cleaning start time programming, and a warning control device for controlling the display unit such that the display unit displays information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by the operational button portion is earlier than the cleaning-ready time. In addition, the memory desirably further includes a memory storing the cleaning start time programming.

In other words, the warning control device causes the display unit to display the information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by the operational button portion is earlier than the cleaning-ready time. Therefore, the user can have an intention of cleaning at a further appropriate time. As a result, a cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at a further appropriate time that the user intends can be provided.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for charge start time setting processing for the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for cleaning start time programming processing for the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main processing control procedure for the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an error processing control procedure for the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a display content on a display unit when the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention accepts a single charge start time.

FIG. 8 shows a display content on the display unit when an inappropriate time has been programmed in the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a display content on the display unit when the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention accepts a plurality of charge start times.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an error processing control procedure for a cleaner according to a variation of the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. The same elements have the same reference characters allotted. Their label and function are also identical. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Referring to FIG. 1, a cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaner 110 and a charger 180. Cleaner 110 serves for sweeping and cleaning a floor in the interior. Charger 180 serves for supplying cleaner 110 with power by electromagnetic induction.

Referring to FIG. 2, cleaner 110 according to the present invention includes an input portion 112, a coil 114, a rectifier circuit 116, a storage battery 118, a cleaning portion 120, a control unit 122, a timer 124, a memory 126, a running operation portion 128, and a display unit 130.

Input portion 112 accepts an input by the user. Coil 114 accepts AC power supplied by charger 180 by electromagnetic induction. Rectifier circuit 116 converts the AC power output from coil 114 to DC power. Storage battery 118 stores the DC power obtained by conversion in rectifier circuit 116 by charging. Cleaning portion 120 autonomously suctions dust in accordance with a predetermined rule (or a predetermined procedure) stored in memory 126 under the control of control unit 122 (in the present embodiment, cleaning portion 120 and control unit 122 are assumed to follow the predetermined rule). Control unit 122 controls each portion in cleaner 110. Control unit 122 also serves to perform an operation necessary for control. Timer 124 detects a time. Memory 126 stores information necessary for control of each portion in cleaner 110. Here, the “information necessary for control” includes information indicating a time period required for charging storage battery 118, cleaning start time programming which will be described later, and one or more charge start time. Running operation portion 128 generates propelling force when cleaner 110 moves. Display unit 130 displays information to the user.

Input portion 112 includes an operational button portion 140 and a cleaning start button 142. Operational button portion 140 accepts an input of information (in the present embodiment, mainly, information indicating the time) from the user. Cleaning start button 142 accepts a command to start cleaning.

Cleaning portion 120 includes a suction nozzle 150 and a first motor 152. Suction nozzle 150 suctions dust from the floor. First motor 152 generates an air current necessary for suction of dust.

Running operation portion 128 includes a second motor 160 and a wheel 164. Second motor 160 consumes power so as to rotate a rotor. Wheel 164 transmits a torque of the rotor to the floor, so that cleaner 110 runs on the floor. In the present embodiment, two wheels 164 rotating independently of each other are provided, so that the cleaner can not only move forward and backward but also can make a turn or rotate about one point. In order to attain such a function, two second motors 160 are provided. Second motor 160 rotates the rotor so as to attain an arbitrary number of revolutions, under PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control by control unit 122. Similarly, second motor 160 rotates the rotor in an arbitrary direction under the PWM control by control unit 122.

Referring to FIG. 3, a program executed in cleaner 110 according to the present embodiment has the following control configuration with regard to setting of the charge start time.

At step 200 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”), control unit 122 sets a single charge start time or a plurality of charge start times. In the present embodiment, control unit 122 considers a time input through operational button portion 140 as the charge start time desired by the user. Control unit 122 sets the charge start time desired by the user as the actual charge start time. Therefore, control unit 122 controls operational button portion 140 for accepting the input of the charge start time.

At S202, control unit 122 controls display unit 130 such that it displays the cleaning-ready time. In the present embodiment, control unit 122 causes display unit 130 to display different information, depending on whether a single charge start time or a plurality of charge start times has/have already been set. If a single charge start time has already been set, control unit 122 causes display unit 130 to display solely the cleaning-ready time. If a plurality of charge start times have already been set, control unit 122 causes display unit 130 to display not only the cleaning-ready time but also a remaining time until the closest cleaning-ready time. In the present embodiment, in order to display the cleaning-ready time on display unit 130, control unit 122 calculates the cleaning-ready time, based on the time period required for charging storage battery 118 and the charge start time. The cleaning-ready time is calculated such that the time period during which control unit 122 prohibits cleaning portion 120 from suction of dust is equal to or longer than the time period required for charging storage battery 118. In addition, the cleaning-ready time is calculated such that it coincides with the end of the time period during which suction of dust is prohibited (such that the end of the time period during which suction of dust is prohibited coincides with any one of a plurality of cleaning-ready times, if a plurality of cleaning-ready times are set).

At S204, control unit 122 sets a value for an invalidation flag to be stored in memory 126, for invalidating the input of cleaning start button 142, to “1”. Accordingly, the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalidated.

Referring to FIG. 4, a program executed in cleaner 110 according to the present embodiment has the following control configuration with regard to programming of the cleaning start time.

At S210, operational button portion 140 accepts a user input of the cleaning start time programming under the control of control unit 122. At S212, control unit 122 determines whether or not the programmed cleaning start time accepted by operational button portion 140 is in a range of the cleaning-ready time. If it is determined that the programmed cleaning start time is in the range of the cleaning-ready time (YES at S212), the process proceeds to S214. Otherwise (NO at S212), the process proceeds to S216.

At S214, control unit 122 causes memory 126 to store the cleaning start time programming accepted by operational button portion 140. At S216, control unit 122 causes display portion 130 to show error display.

At S217, control unit 122 performs error processing. This processing corresponds to each step from S240 to S250 which will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 5, a program executed in cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment has the following control configuration with regard to main processing.

At S220, control unit 122 refers to the value for the invalidation flag stored in memory 126 so as to determine whether or not the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalid. If it is determined that the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalid (YES at S220), the process proceeds to S222. Otherwise (NO at S220), the process proceeds to S226.

At S222, control unit 122 refers to the value of timer 124 so as to determine whether or not the cleaning-ready time has come. If it is determined that the cleaning-ready time has come (YES at S222), the process proceeds to S224. Otherwise (NO at S222), the main process ends, and proceeds to another main processing (such as a processing to enter what is called a waiting state) known in the art of a cleaner or in a self-running cleaner. At S224, control unit 122 sets the value for the invalidation flag to be stored in memory 126 to “0”. Accordingly, the input of cleaning start button 142 is validated.

At S226, control unit 122 determines whether or not the cleaning time programming is stored in memory 126. If it is determined that the cleaning time programming is stored (YES at S226), the process proceeds to S228. Otherwise (NO at S226), the process proceeds to S230.

At S228, control unit 122 refers to the value of timer 124 so as to determine whether or not the cleaning start time has come. If it is determined that the cleaning start time has come (YES at S228), the process proceeds to S232. Otherwise (NO at S228), the main process ends, and proceeds to another main processing (such as a processing to enter what is called a waiting state) known in the art of a cleaner or in a self-running cleaner.

At S230, control unit 122 determines whether or not there has been an input of cleaning start button 142. If it is determined that there has been an input of cleaning start button 142 (YES at S230), the process proceeds to S232. Otherwise (NO at S230), the main process ends, and proceeds to another main processing (such as a processing to enter what is called a waiting state) known in the art of a cleaner or in a self-running cleaner. At S232, control unit 122 controls each portion in cleaner 110 for cleaning. When control is finished and when a next charge start time has come (that is, when timer 124 detects the charge start time), control unit 122 sets the value for the invalidation flag to “1”. Accordingly, the period during which cleaning portion 120 is prohibited from suction of dust starts at the time of detection of the charge start time by timer 124.

Referring to FIG. 6, a program executed in cleaner 110 according to the present embodiment carries out the following control with regard to error processing.

At S240, control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted a key input. If it is determined that operational button portion 140 has accepted a key input (YES at S240), the process proceeds to S242. Otherwise (NO at S240), the process proceeds to S240.

At S242, control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted an input of a determination key (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that this key is included in operational button portion 140). If it is determined that an input of the determination key has been accepted (YES at S242), the process proceeds to S244. Otherwise (NO at S242), the process proceeds to S246.

At S244, control unit 122 determines whether or not the programmed cleaning start time accepted by operational button portion 140 is a normal value (within a range of the cleaning-ready time). If it is determined that the programmed cleaning start time is a normal value (YES at S244), the process proceeds to S248. Otherwise (NO at S244), the process proceeds to S240.

At S246, control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted an input of a cancel key (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that this key is included in operational button portion 140). If it is determined that an input of the cancel key has been accepted (YES at S246), the process proceeds to S250. Otherwise (NO at S246), the process proceeds to S240.

At S248, control unit 122 sets the cleaning start time programming accepted by operational button portion 140. That is, control unit 122 causes memory 126 to store the cleaning start time programming accepted by operational button portion 140 (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that this programming is stored in a not-shown buffer embedded in control unit 122).

At S250, control unit 122 clears the information input through operational button portion 140 (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that this information is stored in a not-shown buffer embedded in control unit 122). That is, control unit 122 erases the information stored in the buffer.

An operation of cleaning system 100 based on the configuration and the flowchart as above will now be described.

[When a Single Cleaning-Ready Time is Set and an Inappropriate Time is Programmed]

Control unit 122 considers a time accepted by operational button portion 140 as the charge start time desired by the user. Control unit 122 sets a single charge start time desired by the user as the actual charge start time (S200). When the charge start time is set, control unit 122 calculates the cleaning-ready time in advance based on the charge start time. When the cleaning-ready time is calculated, control unit 122 controls display unit 130 such that it displays solely the cleaning-ready time (S202). FIG. 7 shows the display content on display unit 130 at this time. When the cleaning-ready time is displayed, control unit 122 invalidates the input of cleaning start button 142 (S204). When the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalidated, operational button portion 140 accepts the user input of the cleaning start time programming (S210). When the user input is accepted, control unit 122 determines whether or not the programmed cleaning start time accepted by operational button portion 140 is within the range of the cleaning-ready time (S212). Here, as the inappropriate time has been programmed (NO at S212), control unit 122 causes display portion 130 to show error display (S216). In this manner, control unit 122 controls display unit 130 such that it displays information indicating a warning that the inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by operational button portion 140 is earlier than the cleaning-ready time. FIG. 8 shows the display content on display unit 130 at this time. When the error display is shown, control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted a key input (S240). If it is determined that operational button portion 140 has accepted a key input (YES at S240), control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted an input of the determination key (S242). If it is determined that operational button portion 140 has accepted the input of the cancel key (NO at S242), control unit 122 determines whether or not operational button portion 140 has accepted an input of the cancel key (S246). Here, as it is determined that an input of the cancel key has been accepted (YES at S246), control unit 122 clears the information input through operational button portion 140 (S250).

[When a Plurality of Cleaning-Ready Times are Set and an Appropriate Time is Programmed]

Control unit 122 considers a plurality of times accepted by operational button portion 140 as the charge start times desired by the user. Control unit 122 sets the plurality of charge start times desired by the user as the actual charge start times (S200). When the charge start times are set, control unit 122 calculates the plurality of cleaning-ready times based on the time period required for charging storage battery 118 and the plurality of charge start times. When the plurality of cleaning-ready times are calculated, control unit 122 controls display unit 130 such that it displays not only the information indicating the cleaning-ready time but also information indicating a remaining time until the closest cleaning-ready time (S202). FIG. 9 shows the display content on display unit 130 at this time. When the cleaning-ready time is displayed, after the processing from S204 to S210, control unit 122 determines whether or not the programmed cleaning start time accepted by operational button portion 140 is within the range of the cleaning-ready time (S212). Here, as the appropriate time has been programmed (YES at S212), control unit 122 causes memory 126 to store the cleaning start time programming accepted by operational button portion 140 (S214). When the programming is stored, control unit 122 determines whether or not the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalid (S220). Here, as the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalid (YES at S220), control unit 122 determines whether or not the cleaning-ready time has come (S222). If it is determined that the cleaning-ready time has come (YES at S222), control unit 122 validates the input of cleaning start button 142 (S224). Through the processing at S222 and S224, control unit 122 prohibits cleaning portion 120 controlled by control unit 122 from suction of dust during a prescribed period until the cleaning-ready time detected by timer 124. When the input of cleaning start button 142 is validated, control unit 122 determines whether or not the cleaning time programming is stored in memory 126 (S226). If it is determined that the cleaning time programming is stored (YES at S226), control unit 122 refers to the value of timer 124 so as to determine whether or not the cleaning start time has come (S228). If it is determined that the cleaning start time has come (YES at S228), control unit 122 controls each portion in cleaner 110 for cleaning (S232).

[When a Plurality of Cleaning-Ready Times are Set and Programming has not Been Made]

In this case, immediately after the processing from S200 to S204 is performed in accordance with the known processing, the processing at S220 is performed. When the processing at S220 is performed, control unit 122 determines whether or not the cleaning time programming is stored in memory 126 (S226). Here, as memory 126 has not stored the cleaning time programming (NO at S226), control unit 122 determines whether or not there has been an input of cleaning start button 142 (S230). If it is determined that there has been an input of cleaning start button 142 (YES at S230), control unit 122 controls each portion in cleaner 110 for cleaning (S232).

As described above, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment accepts an initial setting for the charge start time in advance. When the charge start time is set, cleaning system 100 accepts programming of the cleaning time or an input of cleaning start button 142 so long as it is in a range of the cleaning-ready time. In other words, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment does not accept programming outside the range of the cleaning-ready time. During a period outside the range of the cleaning-ready time, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment does not perform the cleaning operation even if cleaning start button 142 is pressed. When the charge start time is set and the cleaning-ready time has come, cleaning system 100 starts cleaning either by programming or by accepting the input of cleaning start button 142. Therefore, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment is free from the disadvantage that the user cannot expect when charging is started. In addition, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment starts cleaning in such a state that sufficient power is stored in storage battery 118 without stand-by power consumption. As cleaning is started in such a state that the sufficient power is stored without stand-by power consumption, cleaner 110 is less likely to stop its operation during cleaning. That is, programming of cleaning can be made at an appropriate time. Moreover, as cleaning system 100 accepts programming of the cleaning time in the range of the cleaning-ready time, a possibility that charging is still under way even when the programmed time has come is low. As the possibility that charging is still being continued even when the programmed time has come is low, completion of charging and start of cleaning at the time that the user does not intend do not occur. Furthermore, cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment notifies the cleaning-ready time through display. Since the cleaning-ready time is displayed (the cleaning-ready time is specified), it is easy for the user to know when cleaning can start (the time when charging is completed). As a result, a cleaner capable of appropriately doing the cleaning at the time that the user intends and allowing the user to know the time when cleaning can start can be provided.

It is noted that control unit 122 may set the charge start time again in response to an input by the user. This will improve convenience to the user.

Furthermore, cleaner 110 may accept an input through radio communication instead of the input through operational button portion 140. Infrared communication using a remote controller represents one example of the input through radio communication.

In addition, determination as to whether the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalidated may not be based on the invalidation flag. Alternatively, determination as to whether the input of cleaning start button 142 is invalidated may be made, for example, by referring to power charged to storage battery 118, instead of the invalidation flag.

Moreover, at S217, control unit 122 may perform a processing different from that in each step from S240 to S250. For example, control unit 122 may perform the processing shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an error processing control procedure for cleaner 110. At S260 in FIG. 10, control unit 122 clears the value stored in the buffer embedded in control unit 122 itself (the value accepted by operational button portion 140). Malfunction of control unit 122 is thus prevented.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. 

1. A cleaner, comprising: a cleaning portion autonomously suctioning dust in accordance with any one of predetermined rule and procedure; a timer for detecting a time; an operational button portion accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times and cleaning start time programming; a storage battery storing power by charging; a memory storing a time period required for charging said storage battery, said plurality of charge start times, and said cleaning start time programming; a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on said time period required for charging said storage battery and said plurality of charge start times; a device for prohibiting said cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period from time of detection of said charge start time by said timer until said cleaning-ready time, said prescribed period being equal to or longer than said time period required for charging said storage battery; a display unit displaying information; a cleaning-ready time control device for controlling said display unit such that said display unit displays information indicating said cleaning-ready time; and a warning control device for controlling said display unit such that said display unit displays information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if programmed cleaning start time accepted by said operational button portion is earlier than said cleaning-ready time.
 2. A cleaner, comprising: a cleaning portion autonomously suctioning dust in accordance with any one of predetermined rule and procedure; a timer for detecting a time; an operational button portion accepting an input of a time; a device for controlling said operational button portion for accepting an input of a charge start time; a storage battery storing power by charging; a memory storing a time period required for charging said storage battery and said charge start time; a device for calculating a cleaning-ready time based on said time period required for charging said storage battery and said charge start time; and a device for prohibiting said cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until said cleaning-ready time detected by said timer.
 3. The cleaner according to claim 2, wherein said device for controlling said operational button portion includes a device for controlling said operational button portion for accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times, said memory includes a memory storing said plurality of charge start times, said device for calculating a cleaning-ready time includes a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on said time period required for charging said storage battery and said plurality of charge start times, and said device for prohibiting suction of dust includes a device for prohibiting said cleaning portion from suction of dust during a prescribed period until any one of said plurality of cleaning-ready times, said prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging said storage battery.
 4. The cleaner according to claim 2, wherein said device for controlling said operational button portion includes a device for controlling said operational button portion for accepting an input of a plurality of charge start times, said memory includes a memory storing said plurality of charge start times, said device for calculating a cleaning-ready time includes a device for calculating a plurality of cleaning-ready times based on said time period required for charging said storage battery and said plurality of charge start times, and said device for prohibiting suction of dust includes a device for prohibiting said cleaning portion from suction of dust during said prescribed period from time of detection of said charge start time by said timer until any one of said plurality of cleaning-ready times, said prescribed period being equal to or longer than the time period required for charging said storage battery.
 5. The cleaner according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit displaying information, and a cleaning-ready time control device for controlling said display unit such that said display unit displays information indicating said cleaning-ready time.
 6. The cleaner according to claim 5, further comprising a device for controlling said operational button portion for accepting an input of cleaning start time programming, and a warning control device for controlling said display unit such that said display unit displays information indicating a warning that an inappropriate time has been accepted if the programmed cleaning start time accepted by said operational button portion is earlier than said cleaning-ready time, wherein said memory further includes a memory storing said cleaning start time programming. 